Department of Developmental Services

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DDS Chapter Update
from Chapter President Stu Dickson
June 3, 2009
 
ISP- Local 509 has been working with DDS to consider DDS's proposed changes to the ISP.

Management is interested in strengthening QE (Quality Enhancement), Contracts Management support, and empowerment of the Service Coordinator within the ISP process, as well as strengthening the exploration and development of the individual's vision statement and improving the quality of objectives and strategies.
Local 509 is attempting to:
  1. streamline the document,
  2. eliminate redundancies (e.g., Health and Health/Dental), and
  3. efficiently combine the POC with the ISP so as to only be working on one instead of two documents.
Discussion continues on the use of a foundational assessment to identify the needs of the individual and its link to the ISP. Currently, needs are assessed through the use of the MASSCAP for individuals new to the department.

The ISP process is being worked on by a joint ISP Committee with recommendations to the commissioner. DDS concurs that soliciting feedback is the most collaborative approach to proposed changes to the workforce prior to implementation.

ISO- DDS has agreed to have Local 509 Service Coordinators perform Support Brokerage as part of new waiver(s) to provide this model. The intent will be that when 10 or so new consumers sign up, $3,000 or so each will be used to create new jobs within Local 509. Local 509 will be formulating a committee to work out the details. Interested Service Coordinator/Support Brokers should contact Stu Dickson at 413-535-1022 x 107.